Atlantic salmon Atlantic salmon production represents one of the fastest growing aquaculture industries, with current global production exceeding one million tonnes. Norway and Chile are the world's largest producers, with 2004 production reaching 570 000 and 350 000 tonnes, respectively (FAO). Together they account for more than 70% of the global aquaculture production, and are followed by the United Kingdom and Canada. The main markets for consumption of fresh and frozen salmon are Japan, Europe and North America, which account for approximately 90 % of global consumption. Rainbow trout The production of rainbow trout is divided into two segments. In Norway, Chile, Sweden and Finland the main production is based on large trout (>3 kg harvest size) reared in seawater. Japan and EU are the main markets for consumption. The second production segment is based on pan-sized rainbow trout (250-300 gram harvest weights) which is grown in fresh water mainly in France, Italy and Denmark. Chile is currently the largest producer, followed by Norway, Denmark, France, Italy and Spain. Production reached a peak of 510 000 tonnes in 2001, but since then has declined and stabilized around 500 000 tonnes mark for the following three years. Turbot The turbot is a flatfish which inhabits sea beds of the Mediterranean, the Baltic Sea, the Black sea and the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. Aquaculture production reached 6 100 tonnes in 2004. Spain has been by far the mayor producer of this species, accounting for more than 70% of the worldwide production. The other main producers are France, Portugal and the United Kingdom. The major markets for turbot are Spain and France, where it has high demand in restaurants and supermarkets. Spain consumes 75% of it’s own production. Sea bass and sea bream Sea bass and sea bream are among the fastest growing cultures of all aquaculture species, with productions exceeding 75 000 tonnes and 90 000  tonnes, respectively in 2004. The main producers are found in Greece, Italy, Spain and France. Sea bass and sea bream are both categorized as high-value seafood. The major markets for sea bass and sea bream are Italy, Spain and other Mediterranean countries. Carps Carps are produced in large volumes in China and developing countries, but are also farmed in Central and Eastern Europe. Carps are considered to be the cheapest animal protein source available. In Asia carps have been farmed for more than 3000 years, and this continent dominates the world production of these species. The current world production of carps was close to 17 million tonnes in 2004. Atlantic halibut The Atlantic halibut is one of the largest flatfish species in the North Atlantic Ocean. According to FAO, the volume of wild catch halibut in 2004 was 4600 tonnes, and the volume is expected to stay fairly stable. Aquaculture of this species is recent, with Norway, Canada, Iceland, and the United Kingdom reporting production. The volume of farmed halibut was 1 000 tonnes in 2002, with Norway supplying 40%. Norweigan production continued to increase, reaching 1 150 tonnes in 2005 (FHL, 2005 report). This highly prized fish is sold whole or in slices, either fresh or frozen.The major markets for Atlantic halibut are Scandinavia, Germany, Spain and France.    Cod The Atlantic cod is a highly appreciated species with decreasing wild stocks. Hence, there is great potential for further development of this recent aquaculture industry. Global production reached approximately 4 000 tonnes in 2004, with Norway as the main producer (FAO). Iceland, the United Kingdom and Canada also report production. In 2005 Norway increased its production by 50%, reaching 5 500 tonnes (FHL, 2005 report). Aquaculture of this species is expected to increase readily.     Tilapia Tilapias are freshwater species indigenous to Africa. They are among the most widely cultured species in the world and are currently produced in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Tilapias are grown in a wide range of production systems spanning from very extensive pond cultures to extremely intensive cage or tank culture. In 2004 the global production of tilapia was approximately 1,8 million tonnes. The main producer is China, with 80% of their production being consumed within the country. The main import market is the USA, which has recently had soaring imports. Currently demand of fresh and frozen fillets has increased rapidly in the high-price markets for white fish, while frozen whole tilapia show average growth. Shrimps The global demand for shrimps has increased dramatically and catalyzed the development of a rapidly expanding shrimp aquaculture industry worldwide. The production of farmed shrimps has increased from 23 000 tonnes in 1975 up to 2,4 million tonnes in 2004, with Asia and Latin America as the main producers. Since 1992, viral and bacterial diseases wreaked havoc in the shrimp farming industry,  but despite all these difficulties production has continued to increase. Shrimps are categorized as high-value seafood and command high prices worldwide. The main markets are the USA, Europe, and Japan.